Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 14647, Samuel Dunton, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Dunton, Samuel Mary
W. 14647.
CONTENTS

791
Massachusetts Roll
Samuel Dunton
Mass Line. Private 4 3 years
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War.
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of Eight Dollars per month, to commence on the 13 of May 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 1 of June 1818 and sent to Hon. Edward Bangs Worcester, Mass -
Arrears to 4th of Sept r 1818
Semi-annual ending
3 months 19/31 8/30 $29.96
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818 }
Continued
Southborough, Mass

let 14 Apr 37 J. Wheeler let 1 Aug 37 L. Newton.
... ..
Robt. L. on sent to Abijah Bygdon Esq. 1786
Wheeler

Collection sent to Hugh Bigelow Esq 19th Dec 1880. Worcester.
Oct 14 Apr 87 J. Mather Oct 14 Sept 87 d. Reverted. ...

Massachusetts-1763.
Mary Dutton, widow of Samuel Dutton, dec d ?
who died on the 15 th of July, 1829; — of Worcester co. in the State of Massachusetts, who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Fletcher, of the regiment commanded by Col. R. Putnam, in the Massachusetts line for 2 years private.
Mass
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts, at the rate of 80 Dollars cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 8 th day of Febru- ary, 1838, and sent to Hon. Levi Lincoln, House of Representatives.
Arrears to the 4th of September 1837 = $520:00 Pension allowance ending 4 Mar. 1838, = 40:00
$560:00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836. Section the 3 rd }
Recorded by S. A. Elliot, Clerk, Vol. 2, Page 49.

Notification to Pen. Agent, February 8, 1838.
susp: see Cct. to Pen. agt.
Act. 8 1/4.

Samuel Dunton Southborough
13 May
Correct D r

State of Massachusetts. County of Norfolk
I. Samuel Dunton — a Citizen of the United States, now resident at Southborough in the County of Norfolk in the State aforesaid, do on oath testify and declare, that in the War of the Revolution, on in April AD 1777
I entered and was engaged in the land service of the United States on the continental establishment, and served accordingly from that time to April AD 1780
as a private soldier against the common enemy, without any interruption or absence: that I belonged to Capt Benja. Gats Company in the fifth Massachusetts regiment Col. Putnam for 3 years ending in April 1780
and that I left the service on in April 1780 - having received an honorable discharge which I have lost - and that, by reason of my reduced circumstances in life and poverty, I stand in need of assistance from my country for support, being now of the age of 65 years & since - I further declare that I served two other campaigns in the Army of the United States of 5 months & three months and that I was in the battle of White Plains & that the above services were performed in the Massachusetts line
And I hereby relinquish all claims to every pension heretofore allowed me by the laws of the United States, if any may be or hath been so allowed.
Att. E. Bangs
his Samuel X Dunton mark
BE IT REMEMBERED, That on this 13 th day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and 18 pursuant to a law of the United States, entitled, "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War," made and passed on the 18th of March, A. D. 1818, personally appeareth before me,
Judge C. C. Cushman  Edward Bangs
the abovenamed Samuel Dunton and after due examination and caution to testify and declare the whole truth, he maketh oath to the declaration aforesaid, and subscribes the same in my presence; and, on examination duly made by me the said Judge, it appeareth to my satisfaction that the said declaration is true.
Given under my Hand and the Seal of said Court, the day of the date aforesaid.
Edward Bangs

I Robert Smith of Barn in the county of Worcester and State of Massachusetts. Testify and say that I was a soldier in a company of Capt Benjamin Gates of Barn in the 10th Regiment commanded by Col Rufus Putnam and further say that Samuel Dunton then of Gerry in said county enlisted into the company commanded by said Gates I was personally acquainted with said Dunton in the service during the term of three years and he was a good soldier said Samuel Dunton enlisted in April 1777 and was discharged in 1780 Robert Smith
On this first day of May A.D. 1818 - personally appeared the above named Robert Smith & made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing statement of affidavit by him subscribed - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day & year above written - Samuel D. Lewis -
Note -
Samuel Lee is a known justice of the peace in Barn in the county of Worcester - & his name is in the list of Justices accordingly in the Mass. Register
Edw. Bangs

Samuel Linton.
(Decorative flourish)
791
June 1878.
Encl 19 Sep 1880.
(Faint handwritten initials or mark)

My family consists of myself and wife only, both of us being great invalids, arising from old age and infirmities of body, neither of us being able to maintain ourselves, or contribute but in a very small degree towards our support; having no property, either real or personal, of any kind, excepting a little very necessary clothing, and being aided by the Town of Southborough for many years past in our support.
Witness Wm Jenison
Samuel his  mark Dunton
Col. Rufus Putnam of the Massachusetts line, and said I was, when I was regularly discharged therefrom, having been in Genl. Nixon's Brigade; my discharge was lost, but I made application for a pension on the 13 th May 1818, and had the same granted, as by pension certificate numbered 791, will appear.
and I do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," passed on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts, due to me, nor have I any income, other than what is contained in the Schedule  Statement hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.
Samuel his  mark Dunton
Witness Wm Jenison.
Sworn to and declared, on the twenty third day of June, 1820 before the said Court.
Attest, Abijah Bigelow, Clerk
I, ABIJAH BIGELOW, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, holden within and for the County of Worcester, do hereby certify, that the foregoing Oath, and the Schedule  Statement thereto annexed, are truly copied from the Record of the said Court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule, is said Samuel Dunton has no dollars and properly cents, necessary clothing excepted.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this twenty third day of June 1820.
Abijah Bigelow, Clerk of the Court for the County of Worcester.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
COUNTY OF WORCESTER, ss.
ON this twenty third day of June 1820, personally appeared in open Court, before the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, being a Court of Record, within and for said County of Worcester, established as such by the laws of said Commonwealth, Samuel Dunton aged sixty eight years, resident in Southborough in said County, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, declare that he served in the Revolutionary War as follows: In the month of April 1775, I enlisted in the company commanded by Capt. Benjamin Gates in the Regiment commanded by Col. Rufus Putnam of the Massachusetts line, and served 3 years, when I was regularly discharged therefrom, having been in Genl. Moxon's Brigade; my discharge was lost, but I made application for a pension on the 13th May 1818, and had the same granted, as by pension certificate numbered 791, will appear.
and I do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," passed on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts, due to me, nor have I any income, other than what is contained in the Schedule  Statement hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.
Witness Wm. Jenison.
Samuel Dunton mark
Sworn to and declared, on the twenty third day of June, 1820 before the said Court.
Attest, Abijah Bigelow, Clerk
I, ABIJAH BIGELOW, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, holden within and for the County of Worcester, do hereby certify, that the foregoing Oath, and the Schedule  Statement thereto annexed, are truly copied from the Record of the said Court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule, is said Samuel Dunton has no dollars and properly cents, necessary clothing excepted.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this twenty third day of June 1820.
Abijah Bigelow Clerk of the Court for the County of Worcester.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, (Worcester County, fs.)
On this thirtyfirst day of December eighteen hundred and thirty six personally appeared before John Preston Judge of the Court of Probate for the  William Dutton of the County of the  Res. May  Dutton a resident of Southborough in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged eighty one years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4, 1836.
That she is the widow of Samuel Dutton, who was a Soldier in the Army of the Revolution. That her husband, sometime in the months of April or May seventeen hundred and seventy seven enlisted, then a resident in the southerly part of Athol (now Phillipston) in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, into the Army of the Revolution as a private for three years in Capt. Fletcher's company, Col. Rufus Putnam's Regiment and Gen. Nixon's Brigade.
She further declares, that she was married at that part of said Athol (now Phillipston) in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth aforesaid by a Jonathan Baldwin a Justice of the Peace sometime in the Spring of the year seventeen hundred and seventy nine; that her husband the aforesaid Samuel Dutton died at Southborough aforesaid July fifteenth A.D. eighteen hundred and twenty nine aged seventy seven years, and that she has remained a widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by reference to the proof herunto annexed.
She further declares that an examination has been made in the office of the Town Clerk in the town of Athol in the County of

Worcester and Commonwealth aforesaid for a record of her marriage and that there is no return of any marriages in the office of said Town Clerk made by Jonathan Baldwin a Justice of the Peace from the year 1775 to 1784 -
She further declares that her husband drew a pension under the act of Congress April 18, 1818 - and that it is her belief that her husband was out in the service of the United States in the War of the Revolution for more periods than one; and as for the evidence for the periods of service that her husband Samuel Dunton was in the service of the United States reference to be had to the documentary evidence in the office of the War Department at Washington in the Continental and Massachusetts Line.
Samana Subscribed the Mary J. Dunton deposed your friend also much written before me
Rev. Nathan Batchelder of Probate for said County of Worcester Commonwealth of Massachusetts January 10. Dec. 31. 1836. since since from the Court do declare it as their opinion that Samuel Dunton the husband of said Applicant was a soldier of the Revolution; - that the said Mary and Samuel were married, that the said Samuel both deceased and that the said Mary now remains his widow as both claim on other declaration - she being entitled to be a part of her estate. Rev. Nathan Batchelder Judge of said Court of Probate

The record of Samuel Dunton's family stands thus
Mr Samuel Dunton's Children
Polly Dunton daughter of Samuel and Mary Dunton born April 11 th 1781
David Dunton son of the above born August 15 th 1783
Patthaniel Dunton son of the above born July 2 nd 1790
William Dunton son of the above born Jan 2 nd 1794
A true copy from the record book of births of the town of Phillipston formerly Ferris
In complying with the request to sever a leaf from the town record book, I should violate the Laws of the commonwealth of Massachusetts, which directs that the clerk of each town shall keep a fair and true record of all the births and deaths that occur in the town, in a book kept for the purpose; and the leaf that bears the record of the births of Samuel Dunton's Children has the record of four other families comprising twenty individuals
Attest Joseph Knowlton Jr Town Clerk
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
To Worcester ss Phillipston September 28 th 1837 - Personally appeared Joseph Knowlton Jr and made oath in due form of law that the above certificate by him his subscribed is correct & true - and I further certify the above named Joseph Knowlton Jr is Town Clerk of said town of Phillipston
Oliver Powers Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Worcester, ss.
Probate Office October 3. 1837. I hereby certify, that Oliver Powers is a justice of the Peace within and for the County of Worcester, duly commissioned and qualified, and that his name signed to the foregoing certificate is his own genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I do hereunto set my hand and the seal of the court of Probate for said county, the day and year above written.
Chas. G. Prentiss, Register of said court.

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section Ames H. G.
April 17, 1924 Q
Mrs. Louie G. Jones 315 Beard Ave., Buffalo, New York.
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 14647 it appears that Samuel Dunton, while a resident of Gerry, or Templeton, or the southerly part of Athol ( all of which places were later Phillipston), Worcester County, Massachusetts, he enlisted in April 1777 and served as a private in Captains Fletcher and Benjamin Gates' Companies, Colonel Rufus Putnam's Massachusetts Regiment and was discharged in April 1780. He also served, 27. 9  for - or to the above service, two tours of five months and three months and was in the battle of White Plaine, no further details given.
He was allowed pension on his application executed May 13, 1818 while a resident of Southborough, Worcester County, Massachusetts aged sixty-five years. He

died July 15, 1829 in said Southborough.
Soldier married in March 1779 in Templeton, Massachusetts, Mary Martin of said Templeton, who was allowed pension on her application executed December 31, 1836 while a resident of Southborough, Massachusetts aged eighty-one years. They had the following children born in Gerry, Massachusetts:
Polly born April 11, 1781. David " August 15, 1783. Nathaniel " July 8, 1790. William " January 2, 1794.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

Re-WIDOW, &c.
File No. 14647
Mary Clinton Widow of Samuel Clinton Pre Rev War
Act: July 4 th 86
Index:—Vol. a , Page 199
[Arrangement of 1870.]

July 7 '99 South S o El dredge San Francisco Calif.
1924 - Apr. 17 - Hist. To Mr. Louis B. Jones. mmst F.

V Mary (Sinton) Massachusetts.
Suspended Oct 14 Apr 87 J. Wheeler.
Oct 1 Aug t 1887 to Larkin Newton.

Sam (Santon) Map. act March 1878, to what time? Paid Per Office Apr 14. '87

V1031
Please to return the Paper to Joseph Wheeler Worcester Mass. Mary D. Lunt Mass
adm d 2 yrs pri 80 $ p. an no deduction
Hon. Levi Lincoln Ho. Res.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Worcester ss. Probate Office —
I Theoph l Wheeler Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Worcester certify that Ira Barton is Judge of the Court of Probate for said County of Worcester duly commissioned, and that his name subscribed as such in five places on papers hereto annexed, is in his own hand writing. — and that Oliver Drown is a Justice of the Peace in the said County of Worcester duly appointed & sworn, and that his name twice written on papers here annexed as such is in his own handwriting.
In testimony whereof I do hereunto set my hand and affix the Seal of the said Court this 8 th day of January 1837 —
Theoph l Wheeler Reg d of the said Court of Probate —

I Peirson Richardson of Phillipston in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachu- setts being eighty seven years of age being duly sworn do testify and depose that I was well acquainted with Samuel Dunton then of Athol and Mary Martin then of Templeton said parts of said Athol and Templeton are now Phillipston and that at the time they were married said Dunton was one of my nearest neighbors and that said Samuel Dunton and said Mary Martin were married about fifty seven years ago and they lived and kept house for several years in now said Phillipston and had four children born in said Phillipston and said Samuel and his wife and family moved to Southborough in said County of Worcester about forty years ago, by whom said Samuel and Mary were I do not now recollect but I think it was a Jonathan Baldwin a justice of the Peace Phillipston Novr 25, 1836 Peirson Richardson
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Worcester County ss Phillipston November 25 th A. D. 1836 Then personally appeared the above named Peirson Richardson and made solemn oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is just and true and I am well acquainted with said Peirson Richardson and have been for forty years and that he is a credible witness Before me
{ Oliver Povey Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Worcester County Athol November 25, 1831
I hereby certify that I have examined all the books of records in the office of the Town Clerk in said town of Athol and I do not find any record of the marriage of Samuel Dunton and Mary Martin on record in said office. The only return of Marriages in said office from 1775 to 1784 are made by the Rev. James Humphrey and no return made by either Jonathan Baldwin or Daniel Newhall who were Justices of the Peace at that period.
Benjamin Estabrook, Town Clerk of Athol

I Jeremiah Newton of Southborough in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts being sixty seven years of age and being duly sworn according to law, do testify and say that I have been well acquainted with the widow Mary Dunton about forty years, or ever since she with her husband Samuel Dunton moved from Phillipston to Southborough which I think is about that period of time and that I know her to be the widow of the said Samuel Dunton who was a pensioner under the act of Congress April 18, 1818 and who died at Southborough July A.D. 1829 and that the said Mary Dunton the widow of said Samuel has remained a widow ever since and she now lives at said Southborough Jeremiah Newton
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
unsub. p. Dec. 21. 1836 Then personally appeared Jeremiah Newton also known to me, who is personally known to me as a man of integrity, and made oath that the above discharge by him subscribed is true
Before me
Isaac Boston Judge of the Court of Probate for said County

I William Newton of Southborough in the county of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, sixty five years of age, being first duly sworn, do testify and say that I knew Samuel Dunton and Mary Dunton as husband and wife - that the said Samuel who was a junior and always referred to be a soldier of the revolution, died about seven years since, and, the said Mary has ever since remained his widow and now lives in the said town of South- borough -
William Newton.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol ss. Dec. 21, 1832
Then personally appeared William Newton also named who is personally known to me as a man of truth, and made oath that the ab- ove described by him subscribed is true
Before me
Mr. Nathan Judge of the Court of Probate for said county of Bristol

I Stearn Parker of Southborough in the County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being first sworn, do testify and say that I am the Clerk of the said town of Southborough, and that the following is a copy from the records of said town to wit
Samuel Dutton died July 15th. 1829"
Stearns Parker } Town Clerk of Southborough
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
On this 31st Decr 1836 Then personally appeared Stearns Parker who named who is personally known to me to be a man of truth, and made oath that the above described by him subscribed is true before me
Isaac Badger Judge of the Court of Probate for said County of Bristol

I James Dunton of Medway in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being seventy eight years of age and being duly sworn according to law do testify and depose that Samuel Dunton a Revolutionary pensioner late of Southborough in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth aforesaid now deceased was my brother, that the said Samuel Dunton was married to Mary Martin in the month of March 1779 by Jonathan Baldwin Esq. of Templeton in said County of Worcester at Templeton aforesaid, and I was present at said marriage, said Samuel Dunton was one of three years men that enlisted in the Spring of 1777 said Samuel Dunton was at home at said Templeton on a furlough at the time of his marriage, and that he soon after his marriage returned back to the Army and served until the Spring of 1780 when his term of three years expired, and that I know that the said Mary Dunton is the widow of the said Samuel Dunton and that she still remains the widow of the said Samuel Dunton and that

She now lives in said Southborough in the County of Worcester aforesaid. Dedway Jan'y 17. 1838
James D. Darden
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Norfolk Jan'y 17 1838 Then personally appeared the within named Lower Dutton & made Oath that the facts contained in the within affidavit by him subscribed were true h. s. as. Mr. N. B. A. G. M.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
NORFOLK ss.
Emall Sampson
I, JAIRUS WARE , Clerk of the Judicial Courts, being Courts of Record, within and for the County of Norfolk, hereby Certify that
Jonathan P. Bishop Esquire,
is a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Norfolk aforesaid, duly appointed, commissioned and qualified to discharge the duties of said of- fice, and that his signature to the annexed certificates is genuine and true.
In Witness Whereof, I have subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court of the Commonwealth aforesaid at Dedham, this Twenty third day of January A. D. one thousand eight hundred and thirty Eight. Emall Sampson Clerk

She now lives in said Southborough in the County of Worcester aforesaid. Midway Jan'y 17. 1838
James Darden
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Norfolk Jan'y 17 1838 Then personally appeared the within named James Darden & made Oath that the facts contained in the within affidavit by him subscribed were true before me Jon a P. Bishop Jus of Peace
This certifies that I am acquainted with the above named James Darden and have no hesitancy in saying his character for Truth & veracity is good
Jon a P. Bishop Jus Peace

Merchants Bank, Boston, 14 th Sept. 1844.
Sir,
Your letter of the 5 th inst. addressed to E. Clark Esq. respecting Lovira Amsden's claim for a pension under the act of 1838 has been submitted to me. It appears by the Rolls of this Agency that Larkin Newton as her Agent, received $720.00 agreeably to the within statement. As it is now stated that Mrs. Amsden was not married till 1784. it is probable that the Certificate was fraudulently obtained by Newton and the papers presented by him were forgeries. — Newton, who died about three years since, was at the time of receiving the payment as attorney for Mrs. A. a resident of Southboro', Worcester County, and a Deputy Sheriff for the County. As he received pensions for others, under similar claims, particularly for Mary Dunton widow of Samuel, paid to him at the same time, I would suggest that a re-examination be made of all such cases

that the truth of them may be clearly attested.
I am very respf. Yr. obt. Servt.
Franklin Hasey Pension Agent.
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commr. of Pensions Washington D.C.

1  Sum d . of payments made to Larkin Newton as Attorney of Louisa Ansdon widow of John Ansdon dec d . under law of 4 th July 1836. at $80.00 per annum
$640.00 paid 15 th March 1839. - see voucher No. 7 - Gr. Edg. 31 st Mar. '39 40.00 " 26. Sept. " " " 4. " " 30 th Sept. "  40.00 " 21. Mar. 1840. " " " 3. " " 31. Mar. '40.  $720.00 paid up to 4 th March 1840.
case of Mary Dutton, widow of Samuel, - law of 4 th July 1836. - $80.00 per ann.
$560.00 paid 26 th March 1838. - see voucher No. 70 - gr. Edg. 31 st Mar. '38. 40.00 " 18 th Oct. " " " 26. " " " Dec. " 40.00 " 15 th Mar. 1839. " " " 72. " " " Mar. '39. 40.00 " 26 th Sept. " " " 74. " " 30. Sept. " 40.00 " 21. Mar. 1840. " " " 71. " " 31. Mar. '40.  $720.00 paid up to 4 th March 1840.
Merchants Bank.
Boston, 14 th Sept. 1844.
(E.E.)

James L. Edwards Esq. Commr of Pensions Washington City

Southborough, Worcester County, Mass. July 21, 1837
James L. Edwards Esqr? Commisr of Pensions
Sir,
I have inclosed additional evidence in the case of Mrs. Mary Dutton widow of Samuel Dutton of said Southborough, whose claim was forwarded to the Pension Office in December last, and an answer was received from you directed to Theophilus Wheeler Esqr. of Worcester, Mass. under date of the 14th of April last that the papers in support of her claim had been examined and filed with suspended cases in the office, when you shall have passed upon them you will please direct to me
Respectfully yours Larkin Newton

Washington July 3 1834
J. L. Edwards Esq. Comr of Pensions Sir
At the instance of one of my most respectable and intelligent Constituents, personally well known to me, as entitled to all confidence, I beg to ask the revision of the case, presented in the accompanying papers, & upon the additional & supplemental evidence, which they contain. I may be permitted to add, that from my experience of 18 years at the Bar and on the Bench, I have no doubt, that evidence, as now exhibited, would be sufficient to establish a right of inheritance, in any Court in Massachusetts. The laws of that State, which require the registration of births, will not justify the subjection of any part of the original Record.
Will you do me the favor to transmit to me the result of your opinion
I am truly Sir
With great respect
Your obedt Servant
Levi Lincoln

Left the service spring of 1780 - No record of marriage alleged to have been solemnized in March '79 - record of births shows first born to be ap. '81 - parent testimony seems to depend solely upon memory without furnishing the data by which the date of such an event can be accurately preserved for 50 years - Brother of dec d husband now swears that he was present - but does not show by what means he is able to fix the date - The record of births shows that the first born was ap. '81. being 12 months after he left the service,

copy of the letter 14th of April 1837

War Department Pension office
April 14. 1837
Sir,
The papers in support of the claim of Mrs. Mary Dunton, widow of Samuel Dunton have been examined and filed with suspended cases in this office. The proof of period of her marriage is not sufficient: none of the witnesses swear positively to the year of her marriage. A copy of the record of the births of her children is exhibited; from which it would appear that her first child was not born until two years after her marriage, supposing that she was married in 1779. Her husband was discharged in April 1780. May she not have been married in the Spring of 1780, instead of the Spring of 1779? In order to a more full investigation of the claim, the sheet containing the family record should be taken from the Book, the fact sworn to by some person of known respectability; and the affidavit should be attached to the sheet, and duly authenticated by the proper officer, and then transmitted to this office.
I am respectfully your obt. servt. J. L. Edwards
Copy.

copy of the letter August 1st 1837

War Department Pension Office
August 1. 1837
Sir,
The additional testimony in the case of Mrs. Mary Dunton widow of Samuel Dunton, has been examined and filed with her other papers in this office. The sheet containing the original family record should be taken from the Book containing the same, in the presence of some respectable person, who should make an affidavit of the fact &c, which should be sent to this office as required in my letter to you of the 14th of April last.
I am respectfully Your ob t . Serv t
J. L. Edwards
Larkin Newton Esq. Southborough Massachusetts
A copy

Larkin Smith Esq. Letter
Spencer Lewis Lincoln

Hon. Levi Lincoln
Amherst Street Bg Albany

Southborough Mass. January 26. 1838
Hon. Levi Lincoln,
Sir,
I take the opportunity of addressing you upon a claim that Mrs. Mary Dunton of said Southborough has as being the widow of Samuel Dunton who was a Revolutionary pensioner under the act of Congress 1818. I made out the Papers in her case and could not find any record of her marriage. David Pike one of the witnesses swears that said Dunton at the time that he enlisted into the service of his County in the War of the Revolution lived in the southeasterly part of Athol now Phillipston and enlisted in the month of April 1777 for three years, and that he the said David and Samuel were house at said Athol in the month of March 1779 on a furlough and that said Samuel Dunton was married to Mary Martin on or about the thirtieth of March 1779. Pierson Richardson another witness swears that said Samuel and Mary were married in the Spring of 1779. I also sent a copy of the births of her children the certificate was made by the town clerk of Phillipston from the town records of said town, the certificate was not duly authenticated by a Justice of the Peace. I had a return from said Papers under date of the 14th of April last of which I have inclosed a copy. I again procured a certificate of the births of her children from the Town Clerk of said Phillipston duly authenticated by the proper officers, as also the affidavit of one

Zaccheus Rich who swears positively that Samuel Duntun and Mary Martin were married in the second Precinct of Templeton by Jonathan Baldwin Esq. in the month of March 1779 and that he was present at said marriage. In answer to the second papers I had the following answer under date of August 1st last of which I have enclosed a copy thereof.
I have now procured the third certificate of the births of her children from the town clerk of said Phillipston with a brief from him that he cannot comply with the request to sever the leaf from the town records. I have also in addition procured the affidavit of James Duntun who is a brother of the said Samuel Duntun and he swears that his brother Samuel was married in the Spring of 1779 and that he was present at the marriage and that his brother Samuel soon after his marriage returned to the Army and served in his country's service until the Spring of 1780.
I cannot find any family record of the births of her children only in said town records. I think sir, that the Commissioner of Pensions is asking for what is unreasonable. I have enclosed you the third certificate of the Town clerk of said Phillipston as also the affidavit of James Duntun and respectfully solicit you to call upon the officers of the Pension office, and see if your personal appearance will have any effect upon the Commissioner's views as respects the original leaf containing the births of her children and by so doing you will confer a great

favor upon this poor widow, who is now and has been for a long period supported by charity. If a certificate should be granted you may enclose and direct the same to me at Worcester Mass. and when you shall have returned to Worcester I will call upon you and pay you for your services.
I am respectfully your obt. servt. Larkin Newton

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Worcester ss
Town of Phillipston formerlyerry July 3 rd 1837
This may certify that Mr Samuel Dunton and Mary his wife, have recorded in the clerks book of records of births for the town of Phillipston (page 50) the births of the following children, to wit
Polly Dunton daughter of Samuel and Mary Dunton born April 11 th 1781
David Dunton son of the above born August 15 th 1788
Nathaniel Dunton son of the above born July 2 nd 1790
William Dunton son of the above born January 2 nd 1794
A true copy from the records
Attest Joseph Knowlton Jr Town Clerk
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Worcester County, ss. Phillipston July 3 rd A.D. 1837
Then personally appeared Joseph Knowlton Jr. and made solemn oath that the above affidavit certificate by him subscribed was just and true and that I am personally acquainted with said Joseph Knowlton Jr. and that he is entitled to full credit.
Before me .. Oliver Powers Justice Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Worcester, ss Probate Office.
I hereby certify that Calvin Powers is a Justice of the Peace in the County of Worcester, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his name signed to the annexed paper was written by himself.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my name and affixed the seal of the said Court of Probate this eighteenth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven.
Chas. G. Prentiss, Register of said Court of Probate.

I Lachaus Rich of Phillipston in the county of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts being eighty four years of age and being duly sworn according to law do testify and say that I was well acquainted with Samuel Dunton then of the southeasterly part of Athol now Phillipston from the year 1772 to the time he moved to Southborough in said county of Worcester which was about forty years ago - In the year 1777 in the month of April he enlisted for three years into the service of the United States in the Revolutionary War into Capt. Fletcher's Company in Col. Rufus Putnam's Regiment Said Samuel Dunton and myself returned home to Athol on a furlough in the fore part of March 1779 and said Dunton, was married to Mary Martin on or about the thirtieth day of March 1779 at the house of Capt. Gardner Maynard in that part of now Phillipston which was Templeton by Jonathan Baldwin Esq. of said Templeton then a Justice of the Peace and I was present at his marriage and saw them married. Phillipston July 3. 1837                      Lachaus Rich
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Worcester county ss, Phillipston July 3. A.D. 1837 - Then personally appeared Lachaus Rich and made solemn oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed was just and true and I further certify that I am personally acquainted with said Lachaus Rich and he is entitled to full credit before me
Oliver Powers Justice Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, County of Worcester, Phillipston November twenty fourth 1836. a copy of Record of the births of Mr. Gannet Gannet & Mary his wife, (Circumcised)
Polly Gannet, Daughter of Gannet and Mary Gannet born April 11 th 1781
David Gannet Son of the above born Augt 15. 1783
Mathaniel Gannet Son of the above born Augt 2. 1790
William Gannet Son of the above born Janu 2. 1794
I hereby certify that the above is a true copy of records found on the Gery Town Books of records Book A. pg. 56. being the same town which is now named Phillipston
Chas. C. Dapool
Town Clerk of Phillipston
I hereby certify that to not find on the Gery (now Phillipston) town Book of Records any certificate or Intention of Marriage or record previous to the year 1788, which records of the town Gery are now in the town Clerk's office of Phillipston
Phillipston Nov. 25. 1836
Chas. C. Dapool
Town Clerk of Phillipston

I David Pike of Phillipston in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being seventy seven years of age and a Revolutionary pensioner, do testify and depose that I was well acquainted with Samuel Dutton and lived with him at a Mr Nathan Tripp in Athol in said County of Worcester in the years 1776 and 1777 and in the months of April or May 1777 said Samuel Dutton and myself enlisted into the service of the Army of the Revolution for three years in Captain Fletcher's Company, Colonel Rufus Putnam's Regiment and General Nixon's Brigade — the said Samuel Dutton was married to Ms Marten in the year 1779 and that said D. and myself were discharged at Albany in the State of New York when we had served out our three years of service. Said Samuel Dutton I think was out at other periods after the expiration of said three years either in the Continental or Massachusetts line — that at the close of the war of the Revolution said Samuel Dutton lived in now said Phillipston with his wife for a number of years and had several children born I think four and said Samuel with his wife and children moved about forty years ago to Southborough in said County of Worcester, I think they were married by Jonathan Baldwin Esquire of Athol. Phillipston November 25, 1836 David Pike
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Worcester County ss November 25, 1836 Then personally appeared David Pike and made solemn oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is just and true and I also certify that I have been personally acquainted with the said David Pike more than forty years and that he is a credible witness before me. Oliver Power Justice Peace

Commissioner of Pensions Adjutant General Washington, D.C.
In "Executors Documents" Document 444, No. 3, Massachusetts, Page 19, Boston Agency, referring to Pension Act July 4, 1836, I find the name of Mary Dutton widow of Samuel Dutton .
My Revolutionary ancestor is Samuel Dutton and his wife's name was Mary .
Will you please to send me this record in full or any others

regarding Samuel Dutton of Marlborough Mass.
I am searching for all possible records of my branch of the Dutton family but have had but little success so far.
To whom in Washington should I write for further information?
I thank you for your attention (Mrs. Louie S.) Betha Dutton Jones 315 Beard Ave Buffalo, N.Y.

This Bureau can furnish the military record of only such Revolutionary soldiers as were pensioned or whose widows were pensioned for their services.
Such of the original muster and pay rolls of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 as are now in the possession of the Government are on file in the Record and Pension Office, War Department. Original rolls and other records pertaining to service in the Revolutionary War may also be found on file in the archives of many of the original States.
L. W. B. W. 14647.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C.,
O. W. & N. DIV.
REVOLUTIONARY.
July 7th, 1899.
Sir:-
In compliance with your request you are advised that Samuel Dunton made an application for pension on May 13th, 1818, at which time he was 65 years of age and residing at Southborough, Mass., and his pension was allowed for three years' actual service as a private in the Mass. troops, Revolutionary war. He enlisted at Athol, Mass., and served under Capt. Fletcher and Col. Rufus Putnam.
His widow, Mary, made application and received a pension for the service of her husband as above set forth.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Mr. Zoeth S. Eldredge,
3412 Washington St.,
San Francisco, California.